<a href="/node/581">Enuma Elish (The Babylonian Epic of Creation)</a>Babylonian Creation Epicenūma eliš<p>by W.G. Lambert<br />
Tablet I<br />
1~When the heavens above did not exist,<br />
2~And earth beneath had not come into being—<br />
3~There was Apsû, the first in order, their begetter,<br />
4~And demiurge Tia-mat, who gave birth to them all;<br />
5~They had mingled their waters together<br />
6~Before meadow-land had coalesced and reed-bed was to he found —<br />
7~When not one of the gods had been formed<br />
8~Or had come into being, when no destinies had been decreed,<br />
9~The gods were created within them:<br />
10~Lah(mu and Lah(amu were formed and came into being.<br />
11~While they grew and increased in stature<br />
12~Anšar and Kišar, who excelled them, were created.<br />
13~They prolonged their days, they multiplied their years.<br />
14~Anu, their son, could rival his fathers.<br />
15~Anu, the son, equalled Anšar,<br />
16~And Anu begat Nudimmud, his own equal.<br />
17~Nudimmud was the champion among his fathers:<br />
18~Profoundly discerning, wise, of robust strength;<br />
19~Very much stronger than his father's begetter, Anšar<br />
20~He had no rival among the gods, his brothers.<br />
21~The divine brothers came together,<br />
22~Their clamour got loud, throwing Tia-mat into a turmoil.<br />
23~They jarred the nerves of Tia-mat,<br />
24~And by their dancing they spread alarm in Anduruna.<br />
25~Apsû did not diminish their clamour,<br />
26~And Tia-mat was silent when confronted with them.<br />
27~Their conduct was displeasing to her,<br />
28~Yet though their behaviour was not good, she wished to spare them.<br />
29~Thereupon Apsû, the begetter of the great gods,<br />
30~Called Mummu, his vizier, and addressed him,<br />
31~"Vizier Mummu, who gratifies my pleasure,<br />
32~Come, let us go to Tia-mat!"<br />
33~They went and sat, facing Tia-mat,<br />
34~As they conferred about the gods, their sons.<br />
35~Apsû opened his mouth<br />
36~And addressed Tia-mat<br />
37~"Their behaviour has become displeasing to me<br />
38~And I cannot rest in the day-time or sleep at night.<br />
39~I will destroy and break up their way of life<br />
40~That silence may reign and we may sleep."<br />
41~When Tia-mat heard this<br />
42~She raged and cried out to her spouse,<br />
43~She cried in distress, fuming within herself,<br />
44~She grieved over the (plotted) evil,<br />
45~"How can we destroy what we have given birth to?<br />
46~Though their behaviour causes distress, let us tighten discipline graciously."<br />
47~Mummu spoke up with counsel for Apsû—<br />
48~(As from) a rebellious vizier was the counsel of his Mummu—<br />
49~"Destroy, my father, that lawless way of life,<br />
50~That you may rest in the day-time and sleep by night!"<br />
51~Apsû was pleased with him, his face beamed<br />
52~Because he had plotted evil against the gods, his sons.<br />
53~Mummu put his arms around Apsû's neck,<br />
54~He sat on his knees kissing him.<br />
55~What they plotted in their gathering<br />
56~Was reported to the gods, their sons.<br />
57~The gods heard it and were frantic.<br />
58~They were overcome with silence and sat quietly.<br />
59~Ea, who excels in knowledge, the skilled and learned,<br />
60~Ea, who knows everything, perceived their tricks.<br />
61~He fashioned it and made it to be all-embracing,<br />
62~He executed it skilfully as supreme—his pure incantation.<br />
63~He recited it and set it on the waters,<br />
64~He poured sleep upon him as he was slumbering deeply.<br />
65~He put Apsû to slumber as he poured out sleep,<br />
66~And Mummu, the counsellor, was breathless with agitation.<br />
67~He split (Apsû's) sinews, ripped off his crown,<br />
68~Carried away his aura and put it on himself.<br />
69~He bound Apsû and killed him;<br />
70~Mummu he confined and handled roughly.<br />
71~He set his dwelling upon Apsû,<br />
72~And laid hold on Mummu, keeping the nose-rope in his hand.<br />
73~After Ea had bound and slain his enemies,<br />
74~Had achieved victory over his foes,<br />
75~He rested quietly in his chamber,<br />
76~He called it Apsû, whose shrines he appointed.<br />
77~Then he founded his living-quarters within it,<br />
78~And Ea and Damkina, his wife, sat in splendour.<br />
79~In the chamber of the destinies, the room of the archetypes,<br />
80~The wisest of the wise, the sage of the gods, Be-l was conceived.<br />
81~In Apsû was Marduk born,<br />
82~In pure Apsû was Marduk born.<br />
83~Ea his father begat him,<br />
84~Damkina his mother bore him.<br />
85~He sucked the breasts of goddesses,<br />
86~A nurse reared him and filled him with terror.<br />
87~His figure was well developed, the glance of his eyes was dazzling,<br />
88~His growth was manly, he was mighty from the beginning.<br />
89~Anu, his father's begetter, saw him,<br />
90~He exulted and smiled; his heart filled with joy.<br />
91~Anu rendered him perfect: his divinity was remarkable,<br />
92~And he became very lofty, excelling them in his attributes.<br />
93~His members were incomprehensibly wonderful,<br />
94~Incapable of being grasped with the mind, hard even to look on.<br />
95~Four were his eyes, four his ears,<br />
96~Flame shot forth as he moved his lips.<br />
97~His four ears grew large,<br />
93~And his eyes likewise took in everything.<br />
99~His figure was lofty and superior in comparison with the gods,<br />
100~His limbs were surpassing, his nature was superior.<br />
101~'Mari-utu, Mari-utu,<br />
102~The Son, the Sun-god, the Sun-god of the gods.'<br />
103~He was clothed with the aura of the Ten Gods, so exalted was his strength,<br />
104~The Fifty Dreads were loaded upon him.<br />
105~Anu formed and gave birth to the four winds,<br />
106~He delivered them to him, "My son, let them whirl!"<br />
107~He formed dust and set a hurricane to drive it,<br />
108~He made a wave to bring consternation on Tia-mat.<br />
109~Tia-mat was confounded; day and night she was frantic.<br />
110~The gods took no rest, they . . . . . . .<br />
111~In their minds they plotted evil,<br />
112~And addressed their mother Tia-mat,<br />
113~"When Apsû, your spouse, was killed,<br />
114~You did not go at his side, but sat quietly.<br />
115~The four dreadful winds have been fashioned<br />
116~To throw you into confusion, and we cannot sleep.<br />
117~You gave no thought to Apsû, your spouse,<br />
113~Nor to Mummu, who is a prisoner. Now you sit alone.<br />
119~Henceforth you will be in frantic consternation!<br />
120~And as for us, who cannot rest, you do not love us!<br />
121~Consider our burden, our eyes are hollow.<br />
122~Break the immovable yoke that we may sleep.<br />
123~Make battle, avenge them!<br />
124~[ . . ] . . . . reduce to nothingness!<br />
125~Tia-mat heard, the speech pleased her,<br />
126~(She said,) "Let us make demons, [as you] have advised."<br />
127~The gods assembled within her.<br />
128~They conceived [evil] against the gods their begetters.<br />
129~They . . . . . and took the side of Tia-mat,<br />
130~Fiercely plotting, unresting by night and day,<br />
131~Lusting for battle, raging, storming,<br />
132~They set up a host to bring about conflict.<br />
133~Mother H(ubur, who forms everything,<br />
134~Supplied irresistible weapons, and gave birth to giant serpents.<br />
135~They had sharp teeth, they were merciless . . . .<br />
136~With poison instead of blood she filled their bodies.<br />
137~She clothed the fearful monsters with dread,<br />
138~She loaded them with an aura and made them godlike.<br />
139~(She said,) "Let their onlooker feebly perish,<br />
140~May they constantly leap forward and never retire."<br />
141~She created the Hydra, the Dragon, the Hairy Hero<br />
142~The Great Demon, the Savage Dog, and the Scorpion-man,<br />
143~Fierce demons, the Fish-man, and the Bull-man,<br />
144~Carriers of merciless weapons, fearless in the face of battle.<br />
145~Her commands were tremendous, not to be resisted.<br />
146~Altogether she made eleven of that kind.<br />
147~Among the gods, her sons, whom she constituted her host,<br />
148~She exalted Qingu, and magnified him among them.<br />
149~The leadership of the army, the direction of the host,<br />
150~The bearing of weapons, campaigning, the mobilization of conflict,<br />
151~The chief executive power of battle, supreme command,<br />
152~She entrusted to him and set him on a throne,<br />
153~"I have cast the spell for you and exalted you in the host of the gods,<br />
154~I have delivered to you the rule of all the gods.<br />
155~You are indeed exalted, my spouse, you are renowned,<br />
156~Let your commands prevail over all the Anunnaki."<br />
157~She gave him the Tablet of Destinies and fastened it to his breast,<br />
158~(Saying) "Your order may not be changed; let the utterance of your mouth be firm."<br />
159~After Qingu was elevated and had acquired the power of Anuship,<br />
160~He decreed the destinies for the gods, her sons:<br />
161~"May the utterance of your mouths subdue the fire-god,<br />
162~May your poison by its accumulation put down aggression."<br />
Tablet II<br />
1~Tia-mat gathered together her creation<br />
2~And organised battle against the gods, her offspring.<br />
3~Henceforth Tia-mat plotted evil because of Apsû<br />
4~It became known to Ea that she had arranged the conflict.<br />
5~Ea heard this matter,<br />
6~He lapsed into silence in his chamber and sat motionless.<br />
7~After he had reflected and his anger had subsided<br />
8~He directed his steps to Anšar his father.<br />
9~He entered the presence of the father of his begetter, Anšar,<br />
10~And related to him all of Tia-mat's plotting.<br />
11~"My father, Tia-mat our mother has conceived a hatred for us,<br />
12~She has established a host in her savage fury.<br />
13~All the gods have turned to her,<br />
14~Even those you (pl.) begat also take her side<br />
15~They . . . . . and took the side of Tia-mat,<br />
16~Fiercely plotting, unresting by night and day,<br />
17~Lusting for battle, raging, storming,<br />
18~They set up a host to bring about conflict.<br />
19~Mother H(ubur, who forms everything,<br />
20~Supplied irresistible weapons, and gave birth to giant serpents.<br />
21~ They had sharp teeth, they were merciless.<br />
22~With poison instead of blood she filled their bodies.<br />
23~She clothed the fearful monsters with dread,<br />
24~She loaded them with an aura and made them godlike.<br />
25~ (She said,) "Let their onlooker feebly perish,<br />
26~May they constantly leap forward and never retire."<br />
27~She created the Hydra, the Dragon, the Hairy Hero,<br />
28~The Great Demon, the Savage Dog, and the Scorpion-man,<br />
29~Fierce demons, the Fish-man, and the Bull-man,<br />
30~Carriers of merciless weapons, fearless in the face of battle.<br />
31~Her commands were tremendous, not to be resisted.<br />
32~Altogether she made eleven of that kind.<br />
33~Among the gods, her sons, whom she constituted her host,<br />
34~She exalted Qingu and magnified him among them.<br />
35~The leadership of the army, the direction of the host,<br />
36~The bearing of weapons, campaigning, the mobilization of conflict,<br />
37~The chief executive power of battle supreme command,<br />
38~She entrusted to him and set him on a throne.<br />
39~"I have cast the spell for you and exalted you in the host of the gods,<br />
40~I have delivered to you the rule of all the gods.<br />
41~You are indeed exalted, my spouse, you are renowned,<br />
42~Let your commands prevail over all the Anunnaki."<br />
43~She gave him the tablet of Destinies and fastened it to his breast,<br />
44~(Saying) "Your order may not he changed; let the utterance of your mouth be firm."<br />
45~After Qingu was elevated and had acquired the power of Anuship<br />
46~He decreed the destinies for the gods. her sons:<br />
47~"May the utterance of your mouths subdue the fire-god,<br />
48~May your poison by its accumulation put down aggression."<br />
49~Anšar heard; the matter was profoundly disturbing.<br />
50~ He cried "Woe!" and bit his lip.<br />
51~ His heart was in fury, his mind could not be calmed.<br />
52~Over Ea his son his cry was faltering.<br />
53~"My son, you who provoked the war,<br />
54~Take responsibility for whatever you alone have done!<br />
55~You set out and killed Apsû,<br />
56~And as for Tia-mat, whom you made furious, where is her equal?"<br />
57~The gatherer of counsel, the learned prince,<br />
58~ The creator of wisdom, the god Nudimmud<br />
59~With soothing words and calming utterance<br />
60~Gently answered [his] father Anšar<br />
61~"My father, deep mind, who decrees destiny,<br />
62~Who has the power to bring into being and destroy,<br />
63~Anšar, deep mind, who decrees destiny,<br />
64~Who has the power to bring into being and to destroy,<br />
65~I want to say something to you, calm down for me for a moment<br />
66~And consider that I performed a helpful deed.<br />
67~Before I killed Apsû<br />
68~Who could have seen the present situation?<br />
69~Before I quickly made an end of him<br />
70~What were the circumstances were I to destroy him?<br />
71~Anšar heard, the words pleased him.<br />
72~His heart relaxed to speak to Ea,<br />
73~"My son, your deeds are fitting for a god,<br />
74~You are capable of a fierce, unequalled blow . . [ . . . ]<br />
75~Ea, your deeds are fitting for a god,<br />
76~You are capable of a fierce, unequalled blow . . [ . . . ]<br />
77~Go before Tia-mat and appease her attack,<br />
78~. . [ . . . ] . . . her fury with [your] incantation."<br />
79~He heard the speech of Anšar his father,<br />
80~He took the road to her, proceeded on the route to her.<br />
81~He went, he perceived the tricks of Tia-mat,<br />
82~[He stopped], fell silent, and turned back.<br />
83~[He] entered the presence of august Anšar<br />
84~Penitently addressing him,<br />
85~"[My father], Tia-mat's deeds are too much for me.<br />
86~I perceived her planning, and [my] incantation was not equal (to it).<br />
87~Her strength is mighty, she is full of dread,<br />
88~She is altogether very strong, none can go against her.<br />
89~Her very loud cry did not diminish,<br />
90~[I became afraid] of her cry and turned back.<br />
91~[My father], do not lose hope, send a second person against her.<br />
92~Though a woman's strength is very great, it is not equal to a man's.<br />
93~Disband her cohorts, break up her plans<br />
94~Before she lays her hands on us."<br />
95~Anšar cried out in intense fury,<br />
96~Addressing Anu his son,<br />
97~"Honoured son, hero, warrior,<br />
98~Whose strength is mighty, whose attack is irresistible<br />
99~Hasten and stand before Tia-mat,<br />
100~Appease her rage that her heart may relax<br />
101~If she does not harken to your words,<br />
102~Address to her words of petition that she may be appeased."<br />
103~He heard the speech of Anšar his father,<br />
104~He took the road to her, proceeded on the route to her.<br />
105~Anu went, he perceived the tricks of Tia-mat,<br />
106~He stopped, fell silent, and turned back.<br />
107~He entered the presence of Anšar the father who begat him,<br />
108~Penitently addressing him.<br />
109~"My father, Tia-mat's [deeds] are too much for me.<br />
110~I perceived her planning, but my [incantation] was not [equal] (to it).<br />
111~Her strength is mighty, she is [full] of dread,<br />
112~She is altogether very strong, no one [can go against her].<br />
113~Her very loud noise does not diminish,<br />
114~I became afraid of her cry and turned back.<br />
115~My father, do not lose hope, send another person against her.<br />
116~Though a woman's strength is very great, it is not equal to a man's.<br />
117~Disband her cohorts, break up her plans,<br />
118~Before she lays her hands on us."<br />
119~Anšar lapsed into silence, staring at the ground,<br />
120~He nodded to Ea, shaking his head.<br />
121~The Igigi and all the Anunnaki had assembled,<br />
122~They sat in tight-lipped silence.<br />
123~No god would go to face . . [ . . ]<br />
124~Would go out against Tia-mat . . . . [ . . ]<br />
125~Yet the lord Anšar, the father of the great gods,<br />
126~Was angry in his heart, and did not summon any one.<br />
127~A mighty son, the avenger of his father,<br />
128~He who hastens to war, the warrior Marduk<br />
129~Ea summoned (him) to his private chamber<br />
130~To explain to him his plans.<br />
131~"Marduk, give counsel, listen to your father.<br />
132~You are my son, who gives me pleasure,<br />
133~Go reverently before Anšar,<br />
134~Speak, take your stand, appease him with your glance."<br />
135~Be-l rejoiced at his father's words,<br />
136~He drew near and stood in the presence of Anšar.<br />
137~Anšar saw him, his heart filled with satisfaction,<br />
138~He kissed his lips and removed his fear.<br />
139~"My [father] do not hold your peace, but speak forth,<br />
140~I will go and fulfil your desires!<br />
141~[Anšar,] do not hold your peace, but speak forth,<br />
142~I will go and fulfil your desires!<br />
143~Which man has drawn up his battle array against you?<br />
144~And will Tia-mat, who is a woman, attack you with (her) weapons?<br />
145~["My father], begetter, rejoice and be glad,<br />
146~Soon you will tread on the neck of Tia-mat!<br />
147~[Anšar], begetter, rejoice and be glad,<br />
148~Soon you will tread on the neck of Tia-mat!<br />
149~["Go,] my son, conversant with all knowledge,<br />
150~Appease Tia-mat with your pure spell.<br />
151~Drive the storm chariot without delay,<br />
152~And with a [ . . ] which cannot be repelled turn her back."<br />
153~Be-l rejoiced at his father's words,<br />
154~With glad heart he addressed his father,<br />
155~"Lord of the gods, Destiny of the great gods,<br />
156~If I should become your avenger,<br />
157~If I should bind Tia-mat and preserve you,<br />
158~Convene an assembly and proclaim for me an exalted destiny.<br />
159~Sit, all of you, in Upšukkinakku with gladness,<br />
160~And let me, with my utterance, decree destinies instead of you.<br />
161~Whatever I instigate must not be changed,<br />
162~Nor may my command be nullified or altered."<br />
Tablet III<br />
1~Anšar opened his mouth<br />
2~And addressed Kaka, his vizier,<br />
3~"Vizier Kaka, who gratifies my pleasure,<br />
4~I will send you to Lah(mu and Lah(amu.<br />
5~You are skilled in making inquiry, learned in address.<br />
6~Have the gods, my fathers, brought to my presence.<br />
7~Let all the gods be brought,<br />
8~Let them confer as they sit at table.<br />
9~Let them eat grain, let them drink ale,<br />
10~Let them decree the destiny for Marduk their avenger.<br />
11~Go, be gone, Kaka, stand before them,<br />
12~And repeat to them all that I tell you:<br />
13~" Anšar, your son, has sent me,<br />
14~And I am to explain his plans.<br />
15-52~= II, 11*-48~(* instead of ' "My father,' put ' "Thus,' )<br />
53~I sent Anu, but he could not face her.<br />
54~Nudimmud took fright and retired.<br />
55~Marduk, the sage of the gods, your son, has come forward,<br />
56~He has determined to meet Tia-mat.<br />
57~He has spoken to me and said,<br />
58-64~= II, 156*-162~(* begin with quotation marks: "If )<br />
65~Quickly, now, decree your destiny for him without delay,<br />
66~That he may go and face your powerful enemy."<br />
67~Kaka went. He directed his steps<br />
68~To Lah(mu and Lah(amu, the gods his fathers.<br />
69~He prostrated himself, he kissed the ground before them,<br />
70~He got up, saying to them he stood,<br />
71-124. = II, 13-66<br />
125~When Lah(h(a and Lah(amu heard, they cried aloud.<br />
126~All the Igigi moaned in distress,<br />
127~"What has gone wrong that she took this decision about us?<br />
128~We did not know what Tia-mat was doing."<br />
129~All the great gods who decree destinies<br />
130~Gathered as they went,<br />
131~They entered the presence of Anšar and became filled with [joy],<br />
132~They kissed one another as they . [ . . ] in the assembly.<br />
133~They conferred as they sat at table,<br />
134~They ate grain, they drank ale.<br />
135~They strained the sweet liquor through their straws,<br />
136~As they drank beer and felt good,<br />
137~They became quite carefree, their mood was merry,<br />
138~And they decreed the fate for Marduk, their avenger.<br />
Tablet IV<br />
1~They set a lordly dais for him<br />
2~And he took his seat before his fathers to receive kingship.<br />
3~(They said,) "You are the most honoured among the great gods,<br />
4~Your destiny is unequalled, your command is like Anu's.<br />
5~Marduk, you are the most honoured among the great gods,<br />
6~Your destiny is unequalled, your command is like Anu's.<br />
7~Henceforth your order will not be annulled,<br />
8~It is in your power to exalt and abase.<br />
9~Your utterance is sure, your command cannot be rebelled against,<br />
10~None of the gods will transgress the line you draw.<br />
11~Shrines for all the gods needs provisioning,<br />
12~That you may be established where their sanctuaries are.<br />
13~You are Marduk, our avenger,<br />
14~We have given you kingship over the sum of the whole universe.<br />
15~Take your seat in the assembly, let your word be exalted,<br />
16~Let your weapons not miss the mark, but may they slay your enemies.<br />
17~Be-l, spare him who trusts in you,<br />
18~But destroy the god who set his mind on evil."<br />
19~They set a constellation in the middle<br />
20~And addressed Marduk, their son,<br />
21~"Your destiny, Be-l, is superior to that of all the gods,<br />
22~Command and bring about annihilation and re-creation.<br />
23~Let the constellation disappear at your utterance,<br />
24~With a second command let the constellation reappear."<br />
25~He gave the command and the constellation disappeared,<br />
26~With a second command the constellation came into being again.<br />
27~When the gods, his fathers, saw (the effect of) his utterance,<br />
28~They rejoiced and offered congratulation: "Marduk is the king!"<br />
29~They added to him a mace, a throne, and a rod,<br />
30~They gave him an irresistible weapon that overwhelms the foe:<br />
31~(They said,) "Go, cut Tia-mat's throat,<br />
32~And let the winds bear up her blood to give the news."<br />
33~The gods, his fathers, decreed the destiny of Be-l,<br />
34~And set him on the road, the way of prosperity and success.<br />
35~He fashioned a bow and made it his weapon,<br />
36~ He set an arrow in place, put the bow string on.<br />
37~He took up his club and held it in his right hand,<br />
38~His bow and quiver he hung at his side.<br />
39~He placed lightning before him,<br />
40~And filled his body with tongues of flame.<br />
41~He made a net to enmesh the entrails of Tia-mat,<br />
42~And stationed the four winds that no part of her escape.<br />
43~The South Wind, the North Wind, the East Wind, the West Wind,<br />
44~He put beside his net, winds given by his father, Anu.<br />
45~He fashioned the Evil Wind, the Dust Storm, Tempest,<br />
46~The Four-fold Wind, the Seven-fold Wind, the Chaos-spreading Wind, the . . . . .Wind.<br />
47~He sent out the seven winds that he had fashioned,<br />
48~And they took their stand behind him to harass Tia-mat's entrails.<br />
49~Be-l took up the Storm-flood, his great weapon,<br />
50~He rode the fearful chariot of the irresistible storm.<br />
51~Four steeds he yoked to it and harnessed them to it,<br />
52~The Destroyer, The Merciless, The Trampler, The Fleet.<br />
53~Their lips were parted, their teeth bore venom,<br />
54~They were strangers to weariness, trained to sweep forward.<br />
55~At his right hand he stationed raging battle and strife,<br />
56~On the left, conflict that overwhelms a united battle array.<br />
57~He was clad in a tunic, a fearful coat of mail,<br />
58~And on has head he wore an aura of terror.<br />
59~Be-l proceeded and set out on his way,<br />
60~He set his face toward the raging Tia-mat.<br />
61~In his lips he held a spell,<br />
62~He grasped a plant to counter poison in his hand,<br />
63~Thereupon they milled around him, the gods milled around him,<br />
64~The gods, his fathers, milled around him, the gods milled around him.<br />
65~Be-l drew near, surveying the maw of Tia-mat,<br />
66~He observed the tricks of Qingu, her spouse.<br />
67~As he looked, he lost his nerve,<br />
68~His determination went and he faltered.<br />
69~His divine aides, who were marching at his side,<br />
70~Saw the warrior, the foremost, and their vision became dim.<br />
71~Tia-mat cast her spell without turning her neck,<br />
72~In her lips she held untruth and lies,<br />
73~"[ . ] . . . . . . . . . . . . .<br />
74~In their [ . ] . they have assembled by you."<br />
75~Be-l [lifted up] the Storm-flood, his great weapon,<br />
76~And with these words threw it at the raging Tia-mat,<br />
77~"Why are you aggressive and arrogant,<br />
78~And strive to provoke battle?<br />
79~The younger generation have shouted, outraging their elders,<br />
80~But you, their mother, hold pity in contempt.<br />
81~Qingu you have named to be your spouse,<br />
82~And you have improperly appointed him to the rank of Anuship.<br />
83~Against Anšar, king of the gods, you have stirred up trouble,<br />
84~And against the gods, my fathers, your trouble is established.<br />
85~Deploy your troops, gird on your weapons,<br />
86~You and I will take our stand and do battle."<br />
87~When Tia-mat heard this<br />
88~She went insane and lost her reason.<br />
89~Tia-mat cried aloud and fiercely,<br />
90~All her lower members trembled beneath her.<br />
91~She was reciting an incantation, kept reciting her spell,<br />
92~While the (battle-)gods were sharpening their weapons of war.<br />
93~Tia-mat and Marduk, the sage of the gods, came together,<br />
94~Joining in strife, drawing near to battle.<br />
95~Be-l spread out his net and enmeshed her;<br />
96~He let loose the Evil Wind, the rear guard, in her face.<br />
97~Tia-mat opened her mouth to swallow it,<br />
98~She let the Evil Wind in so that she could not close her lips.<br />
99~The fierce winds weighed down her belly,<br />
100~Her inwards were distended and she opened her mouth wide.<br />
101~He let fly an arrow and pierced her belly,<br />
102~He tore open her entrails and slit her inwards,<br />
103~He bound her and extinguished her life,<br />
104~He threw down her corpse and stood on it.<br />
105~After he had killed Tia-mat, the leader,<br />
106~Her assembly dispersed, her host scattered.<br />
107~Her divine aides, who went beside her,<br />
108~In trembling and fear beat a retreat.<br />
109~ . . . . to save their lives,<br />
110~But they were completely surrounded, unable to escape.<br />
111~He bound them and broke their weapons,<br />
112~And they lay enmeshed, sitting in a snare,<br />
113~Hiding in corners, filled with grief,<br />
114~Bearing his punishment, held in a prison.<br />
115~The eleven creatures who were laden with fearfulness,<br />
116~The throng of devils who went as grooms at her right hand,<br />
117~He put ropes upon them and bound their arms,<br />
118~Together with their warfare he trampled them beneath him.<br />
119~Now Qingu, who had risen to power among them,<br />
120~He bound and reckoned with the Dead Gods.<br />
121~He took from him the Tablet of Destinies, which was not properly his,<br />
122~Sealed it with a seal and fastened it to his own breast.<br />
123~After the warrior Marduk had bound and slain his enemies,<br />
124~Had . . . . the arrogant enemy . . . ,<br />
125~Had established victory for Anšar over all his foes,<br />
126~Had fulfilled the desire of Nudimmud,<br />
127~He strengthened his hold on the Bound Gods,<br />
128~And returned to Tia-mat, whom he had bound.<br />
129~Be-l placed his feet on the lower parts of Tia-mat<br />
130~And with his merciless club smashed her skull.<br />
131~He severed her arteries<br />
132~And let the North wind bear up (her blood) to give the news.<br />
133~His fathers saw it and were glad and exulted;<br />
134~They brought gifts and presents to him.<br />
135~Be-l rested, surveying the corpse,<br />
136~In order to divide the lump by a clever scheme.<br />
137~He split her into two like a dried fish:<br />
138~One half of her he set up and stretched out as the heavens.<br />
139~He stretched the skin and appointed a watch<br />
140~With the instruction not to let her waters escape.<br />
141~He crossed over the heavens, surveyed the celestial parts,<br />
142~And adjusted them to match the Apsû, Nudimmud's abode.<br />
143~Be-l measured the shape of the Apsû<br />
144~And set up Ešarra, a replica of Ešgalla.<br />
145~In Ešgalla, Ešarra which he had built, and the heavens,<br />
146~He settled in their shrines Anu, Enlil, and Ea.<br />
Tablet V<br />
1~He fashioned heavenly stations for the great gods,<br />
2~And set up constellations, the patterns of the stars.<br />
3~He appointed the year, marked off divisions,<br />
4~And set up three stars each for the twelve months.<br />
5~After he had organized the year,<br />
6~He established the heavenly station of Ne-beru to fix the stars' intervals.<br />
7~That none should transgress or be slothful<br />
8~He fixed the heavenly stations of Enlil and Ea with it.<br />
9~Gates he opened on both sides,<br />
10~And put strong bolts at the left and the right.<br />
11~He placed the heights (of heaven) in her (Tia-mat's) belly,<br />
12~He created Nannar, entrusting to him the night.<br />
13~He appointed him as the jewel of the night to fix the days,<br />
14~And month by month without ceasing he elevated him with a crown,<br />
15~(Saying,) "Shine over the land at the beginning of the month,<br />
16~Resplendent with horns to fix six days.<br />
17~On the seventh day the crown will be half size,<br />
18~On the fifteenth day, halfway through each month, stand in opposition.<br />
19~When Šamaš [sees] you on the horizon,<br />
20~Diminish in the proper stages and shine backwards.<br />
21~On the 29th day, draw near to the path of Šamaš,<br />
22~. [ . . ] the 30th day, stand in conjunction and rival Šamaš.<br />
23~I have ( . . . . ] . the sign, follow its track,<br />
24~Draw near . . ( . . . . . ) give judgment.<br />
25~. [ . . . . ] . Šamaš, constrain [murder] and violence,<br />
26~. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . me.<br />
*~*~*~*~*~*<br />
35~At the end [ . . .<br />
36~Let there [be] the 29th day [ . . . "<br />
37~After [he had . . . . ] the decrees [ . . .<br />
38~The organization of front and . [ . . .<br />
39~He made the day [ . . .<br />
40~Let the year be equally [ . . .<br />
41~At the new year [ . . .<br />
42~The year . . . . . [ . . .<br />
43~Let there be regularly [ . . .<br />
44~The projecting bolt [ . . .<br />
45~After he had [ . . .<br />
46~The watches of night and day [ . . .<br />
47~The foam which Tia-mat [ . . .<br />
48~Marduk fashioned [ . . .<br />
49~He gathered it together and made it into clouds.<br />
50~The raging of the winds, violent rainstorms,<br />
51~The billowing of mist—the accumulation of her spittle—<br />
52~He appointed for himself and took them in his hand.<br />
53~He put her head in position and poured out . . [ . . ] .<br />
54~He opened the abyss and it was sated with water.<br />
55~From her two eyes he let the Euphrates and Tigris flow,<br />
56~He blocked her nostrils, but left . .<br />
57~He heaped up the distant [mountains] on her breasts,<br />
58~He bored wells to channel the springs.<br />
59~He twisted her tail and wove it into the Durmah(u,<br />
60~[ . . . ] . . the Apsû beneath his feet.<br />
61~[He set up] her crotch—it wedged up the heavens—<br />
62~[(Thus) the half of her] he stretched out and made it firm as the earth.<br />
63~[After] he had finished his work inside Tia-mat,<br />
64~[He spread] his net and let it right out.<br />
65~He surveyed the heavens and the earth . . [ . ] .<br />
66~[ . . ] their bonds . . . . . . .<br />
67~After he had formulated his regulations and composed [his] decrees,<br />
68~He attached guide-ropes and put them in Ea's hands.<br />
69~[The Tablet] of Destinies which Qingu had taken and carried,<br />
70~He took charge of it as a trophy (?) and presented it to Anu.<br />
71~[The . ] . of battle, which he had tied on or had put on his head,<br />
72~[ . ] . he brought before his fathers.<br />
73~[Now] the eleven creatures to which Tia-mat had given birth and . . . ,<br />
74~He broke their weapons and bound them (the creatures) to his feet.<br />
75~He made images of them and stationed them at the [Gate] of the Apsû,<br />
76~To be a sign never to be forgotten.<br />
77~[The gods] saw it and were jubilantly happy,<br />
78~(That is,) Lah(mu, Lah(amu and all his fathers.<br />
79~Anšar [embraced] him and published abroad his title, "Victorious King,"<br />
80~Anu, Enlil and Ea gave him gifts.<br />
81~Mother Damkina, who bore him, hailed him,<br />
82~With a clean festal robe she made his face shine.<br />
83~To Usmû, who held her present to give the news,<br />
84~[He entrusted] the vizierate of the Apsû and the care of the holy places.<br />
85~The Igigi assembled and all did obeisance to him,<br />
86~Every one of the Anunnaki was kissing his feet.<br />
87~They all [gathered] to show their submission,<br />
88~[ . . . ] . they stood, they bowed down, "Behold the king!"<br />
89~His fathers [ . . . ] . and took their fill of his beauty,<br />
90~Be-l listened to their utterance, being girded with the dust of battle.<br />
91~. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . . . . . . .<br />
92~Anointing his body with . [ . . . ] cedar perfume.<br />
93~He clothed himself in [his] lordly robe,<br />
94~With a crown of terror as a royal aura.<br />
95~He took up his club and held it in his right hand,<br />
96~~. . . ] . he grasped in his left.<br />
97~[ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ]<br />
98~~. . . ] . he set his feet.<br />
99~He put upon . [ . . .<br />
100~The sceptre of prosperity and success [he hung] at his side.<br />
101~After [he had . . . ] the aura [<br />
102~He adorned(?) his sack, the Apsû, with a fearful [ . . ]~<br />
103~Was settled like . [ . . .<br />
104~In [his] throne room [ . . .<br />
105~In his cella [ . . .<br />
106~Every one of the gods [ . . .<br />
107~Lah(mu and Lah(amu . [ . . . . . . . ] .<br />
108~Opened their mouths and [addressed] the Igigi gods,<br />
109~"Previously Marduk was our beloved son,<br />
110~Now he is your king, heed his command!"<br />
111~Next, they all spoke up together,<br />
112~"His name is Lugaldimmerankia, trust in him!"<br />
113~When they had given kingship to Marduk,<br />
114~They addressed to him a benediction for prosperity and success,<br />
115~"Henceforth you are the caretaker of our shrine,<br />
116~Whatever you command, we will do!"<br />
117~Marduk opened his mouth to speak<br />
118~And addressed the gods his fathers,<br />
119~"Above the Apsû, the emerald (?) abode,<br />
120~Opposite Ešarra, which I built for you,<br />
121~Beneath the celestial parts, whose floor I made firm,<br />
122~I will build a house to be my luxurious abode.<br />
123~Within it I will establish its shrine,<br />
124~I will found my chamber and establish my kingship.<br />
125~When you come up from the Apsû to make a decision<br />
126~This will be your resting place before the assembly.<br />
127~When you descend from heaven to make a decision<br />
128~This will be your resting place before the assembly.<br />
129~I shall call its name 'Babylon', "The Homes of the Great Gods",<br />
130~Within it we will hold a festival: that will be the evening festival.<br />
131~[The gods], his fathers, [heard] this speech of his,<br />
132~. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . they said,<br />
133~"With regard to all that your hands have made,<br />
134~Who has your [ . . . ]?<br />
135~With regard to the earth that your hands have made,<br />
136~Who has your [ . . . 1?<br />
137~In Babylon, as you have named it,<br />
138~Put our [resting place] for ever.<br />
139~. [ . . . . . . . . . ] let them our bring regular offerings<br />
140~. [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . .<br />
141~Whoever [ . . . ] our tasks which we . [ . . .<br />
142~Therein [ . . . . . ] its toil . [ . . .<br />
143~[ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ]<br />
144~They rejoiced [ . . . . . . . . . . . ] . . [ . . .<br />
145~The gods . [ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ]<br />
146~He who knows [ . . . . . . . . . ] . them<br />
147~He opened [his mouth showing] them light,<br />
148~. . [ . . . . . . . . . ] his speech . [ . ]<br />
149~He made wide [ . . . . . . . . ] . them [ . . .<br />
150~And . [ . . . . . . . . . . . . ] . . . . .<br />
151~The gods bowed down, speaking to him,<br />
152~They addressed Lugaldimmerankia, their lord,<br />
153~"Formerly, lord, [you were our beloved] son,<br />
154~Now you are our king, . . [ . . . ]<br />
155~He who . [ . ] . [ . ] preserved [us]<br />
156~. . [. . . ] the aura of club and sceptre.<br />
157~Let him conceive plans [ . . . . ] . . [ . . . ]<br />
158~[ . ] . . [ . . . . . . that] we . [ . . ."<br />
Tablet VI<br />
1~When Marduk heard the gods' speech<br />
2~He conceived a desire to accomplish clever things.<br />
3~He opened his mouth addressing Ea,<br />
4~He counsels that which he had pondered in his heart,<br />
5~"I will bring together blood to form bone,<br />
6~I will bring into being Lullû, whose name shall be 'man'.<br />
7~I will create Lullû—man<br />
8~On whom the toil of the gods will be laid that they may rest.<br />
9~I will skilfully alter the organization of the gods:<br />
10~Though they are honoured as one, they shall be divided into two."<br />
11~Ea answered, as he addressed a word to him,<br />
12~Expressing his comments on the resting of the gods,<br />
13~"Let one brother of theirs be given up.<br />
14~Let him perish that people may be fashioned.<br />
15~Let the great gods assemble<br />
16~And let the guilty one be given up that they may be confirmed."<br />
17~Marduk assembled the great gods,<br />
18~Using gracious direction as he gave his order,<br />
19~As he spoke the gods heeded him:<br />
20~The king addressed a word to the Anunnaki,<br />
21~"Your former oath was true indeed,<br />
22~(Now also) tell me the solemn truth:<br />
23~Who is the one who instigated warfare,<br />
24~Who made Tia-mat rebel, and set battle in motion?<br />
25~Let him who instigated warfare be given up<br />
26~That I may lay his punishment on him; but you sit and rest.<br />
27~The Igigi, the great gods, answered him,<br />
28~That is, Lugaldimmerankia, the counsellor of the gods, the lord,<br />
29~"Qingu is the one who instigated warfare,<br />
30~Who made Tia-mat rebel and set battle in motion."<br />
31~They bound him, holding him before Ea,<br />
32~They inflicted the penalty on him and severed his blood-vessels.<br />
33~From his blood he (Ea) created mankind,<br />
34~On whom he imposed the service of the gods, and set the gods free.<br />
35~After the wise Ea had created mankind<br />
36~And had imposed the service of the gods upon them—<br />
37~That task is beyond comprehension<br />
38~For Nudimmud performed the creation with the skill of Marduk—<br />
39~King Marduk divided the gods,<br />
40~All the Anunnaki into upper and lower groups.<br />
41~He assigned 300 in the heavens to guard the decrees of Anu<br />
42~And appointed them as a guard.<br />
43~Next he arranged the organization of the netherworld.<br />
44~In heaven and netherworld he stationed 600 gods.<br />
45~After he had arranged all the decrees,<br />
46~And had distributed incomes among the Anunnaki of heaven and netherworld,<br />
47~The Anunnaki opened their mouths<br />
48~And addressed their lord Marduk,<br />
49~"Now, lord, seeing you have established our freedom<br />
50~What favour can we do for you?<br />
51~Let us make a shrine of great renown:<br />
52~Your chamber will be our resting place wherein we may repose.<br />
53~Let us erect a shrine to house a pedestal<br />
54~Wherein we may repose when we finish (the work)."<br />
55~When Marduk heard this,<br />
56~He beamed as brightly as the light of day,<br />
57~"Build Babylon, the task you have sought.<br />
58~Let bricks for it be moulded, and raise the shrine!"<br />
59~The Anunnaki wielded the pick.<br />
60~For one year they made the needed bricks.<br />
61~When the second year arrived,<br />
62~They raised the peak of Esagil, a replica of the Apsû.<br />
63~They built the lofty temple tower of the Apsû<br />
64~And for Anu, Enlil, and Ea they established its . . as a dwelling.<br />
65~He sat in splendour before them,<br />
66~Suveying its horns, which were level with the base of Ešarra.<br />
67~After they had completed the work on Esagil<br />
68~All the Anunnaki constructed their own shrines.<br />
69~{300 Igigi of heaven and 600 of the Apsû, all of them, had assembled.}<br />
70~Be-l seated the gods, his fathers, at the banquet<br />
71~In the lofty shrine which they had built for his dwelling,<br />
72~(Saying,) "This is Babylon, your fixed dwelling,<br />
73~Take your pleasure here! Sit down in joy!<br />
74~The great gods sat down,<br />
75~Beer-mugs were set out and they sat at the banquet.<br />
76~After they had enjoyed themselves inside<br />
77~They held a service in awesome Esagil.<br />
78~The regulations and all the rules were confirmed:<br />
79~All the gods divided the stations of heaven and netherwor1d.<br />
80~The college of the Fifty great gods took their seats,<br />
81~The Seven gods of destinies were appointed to give decisions.<br />
82~Be-l received his weapon, the bow, and laid it before them:<br />
83~His divine fathers saw the net which he had made.<br />
84~His fathers saw how skilfully wrought was the structure of the bow<br />
85~As they praised what he had made.<br />
86~Anu lifted it up in the divine assembly,<br />
87~He kissed the bow, saying, "It is my daughter!"<br />
88~Thus he called the names of the bow:<br />
89~"Long Stick" was the first; the second was, "May it hit the mark."<br />
90~With the third name, "Bow Star", he made it to shine in the sky,<br />
91~He fixed its heavenly position along with its divine brothers.<br />
92~After Anu had decreed the destiny of the bow,<br />
93~He set down a royal throne, a lofty one even for a god,<br />
94~Anu set it there in the assembly of the gods.<br />
95~The great gods assembled,<br />
96~They exalted the destiny of Marduk and did obeisance.<br />
97~They invoked a curse on themselves<br />
98~And took an oath with water and oil, and put their hands to their throats.<br />
99~They granted him the right to exercise kingship over the gods,<br />
100~They confirmed him as lord of the gods of heaven and netherworld.<br />
101~Anšar gave him his exalted name, Asalluh(i<br />
102~"At the mention of his name, let us show submission!<br />
103~When he speaks, let the gods heed him,<br />
104~Let his command be superior in upper and lower regions.<br />
105~May the son, our avenger, be exalted,<br />
106~Let his lordship be superior and himself without rival.<br />
107~Let him shepherd the black-heads, his creatures,<br />
108~Let them tell of his character to future days without forgetting.<br />
109~Let him establish lavish food offerings for his fathers,<br />
110~Let him provide for their maintenance and be caretaker of their sanctuaries,<br />
111~Let him burn incense to rejoice their sanctums.<br />
112~Let him do on earth the same as he has done in heaven:<br />
113~Let him appoint the black-heads to worship him.<br />
114~The subject humans should take note and call on their gods,<br />
115~Since he commands they should heed their goddesses,<br />
116~Let food offerings be brought [for] (?) their gods and goddesses,<br />
117~May they (?) not be forgotten, may they remember their gods,<br />
118~May they . . . their . . , may they . . their shrines.<br />
119~Though the black-heads worship some one, some another god,<br />
120~He is the god of each and every one of us!<br />
121~Come, let us call the fifty names<br />
122~Of him whose character is resplendent, whose achievement is the same.<br />
123~(1) MARDUK<br />
As he was named by his father Anu from his birth,<br />
124~Who supplies pasturage and watering, making the stables flourish.<br />
125~Who bound the boastful with his weapon, the storm flood,<br />
126~And saved the gods, his fathers, from distress.<br />
127~He is the son, the sun-god of the gods, he is dazzling,<br />
128~Let them ever walk in his bright light.<br />
129~On the peoples that he created, the living beings,<br />
130~He imposed the service of the gods and they took rest.<br />
131~Creation and annihilation, forgiveness and exacting the penalty<br />
132~Occur at his command, so let them fix their eyes on him.<br />
133~(2) Marukka: he is the god who created them<br />
134~Who put the Anunnaki at ease, the Igigi at rest.<br />
135~(3) Marutukku: he is the support of land, city, and its peoples,<br />
136~Henceforth let the peoples ever heed him.<br />
137~(4) Meršakušu: fierce yet deliberating, angry yet relenting,<br />
138~His mind is wide, his heart is all-embracing.<br />
139~(5) Lugaldimmerankia is the name by which we all called him,<br />
140~Whose command we have exalted above that of the gods his fathers.<br />
141~He is the lord of all the gods of heaven and netherworld,<br />
142~The king at whose injunctions the gods in upper and lower regions shudder.<br />
143~(6) Narilugaldimmerankia is the name we gave him, the mentor of every god,<br />
144~Who established our dwellings in heaven and netherworld in time of trouble,<br />
145~Who distributed the heavenly stations between Igigi and Anunnaki,<br />
146~Let the gods tremble at his name and quake on their seats.<br />
147~(7) Asalluh(i is the name by which his father Anu called him,<br />
148~He is the light of the gods, a mighty hero,<br />
149~Who, as his name says, is a protecting angel for god and land,<br />
150~Who by a terrible combat saved our dwelling in time of trouble.<br />
151~(8) Asalluh(i-Namtilla they called him secondly, the life-giving god,<br />
152~Who, in accordance with the form (of) his (name), restored all the ruined gods,<br />
153~The lord, who brought to life the dead gods by his pure incantation,<br />
154~Let us praise him as the destroyer of the crooked enemies.<br />
155~(9) Asalluh(i-Namru, as his name is called thirdly,<br />
156~The pure god, who cleanses our character."<br />
157~Anšar, Lah(mu, and Lah(amu (each) called him by three of his names,<br />
158~Then they addressed the gods, their sons,<br />
159~"We have each called him by three of his names,<br />
160~Now you call his names, like us."<br />
161~The gods rejoiced as they heard their speech,<br />
162~In Upšuukkinaki they held a conference,<br />
163~"Of the warrior son, our avenger,<br />
164~Of the provisioner, let us extol the name."<br />
165~They sat down in their assembly, summoning the destinies,<br />
166~And with all due rites they called his name:<br />
Tablet VII<br />
1~(10) Asarre, the giver of arable land who established plough-land,<br />
2~The creator of barley and flax, who made plant life grow.<br />
3~(11) Asaralim, who is revered in the counsel chamber, whose counsel excels,<br />
4~The gods heed it and grasp fear of him.<br />
5~(12) Asaralimnunna, the noble, the light of the father, his begetter,<br />
6~Who directs the decrees of Anu, Enlil, and Ea, that is Ninšiku.<br />
7~He is their provisioner, who assigns their incomes,<br />
8~Whose turban multiplies abundance for the land.<br />
9~(13) Tutu is he, who accomplishes their renovation,<br />
10~Let him purify their sanctuaries that they may repose.<br />
11~Let him fashion an incantation that the gods may rest,<br />
12~Though they rise up in fury, let them withdraw.<br />
13~He is indeed exalted in the assembly of the gods, his [fathers],<br />
14~No one among the gods can [equal] him.<br />
15~(14) Tutu-Ziukkinna, the life of [his] host,<br />
16~Who established, the pure heavens for the gods,<br />
17~Who took charge of their courses, who appointed [their stations],<br />
16~May he not be forgotten among mortals, but [let them remember] his deeds.<br />
19~(15) Tutu-Ziku they called him thirdly, the establisher of purification,<br />
20~The god of the pleasant breeze, lord of success and obedience,<br />
21~Who produces bounty and wealth, who establishes abundance,<br />
22~Who turns everything scant that we have into profusion,<br />
23~Whose p1easant breeze we sniffed in time of terrible trouble,<br />
24~Let men command that his praises be constantly uttered, let them offer worship to<br />
him.<br />
25~As (16) Tutu-Agaku, fourthly, let humans extol him,<br />
26~Lord of the pure incantation, who brought the dead back to life,<br />
27~Who showed mercy on the Bound Gods,<br />
28~Who threw the imposed yoke on the gods, his enemies,<br />
29~And to spare them created mankind.<br />
30~The merciful, in whose power it is to restore to life,<br />
31~Let his words be sure and not forgotten<br />
32~From the mouths of the black-heads, his creatures.<br />
33~As (17) Tutu-Tuku, fifthly, let their mouth give expression to his pure spell,<br />
34~Who extirpated all the wicked by his pure incantation.<br />
35~(18) Šazu, who knew the heart of the gods, who saw the reins,<br />
36~Who did not let an evil-doer escape from him,<br />
37~Who established the assembly of the gods, who rejoiced their hearts,<br />
38~Who subjugated the disobedient, he is the gods' encompassing protection.<br />
39~He made truth to prosper, he uprooted perverse speech,<br />
40~He separated falsehood from truth.<br />
41~As (19) Šazu-Zisi, secondly, let them continually praise him, the subduer of aggressors,<br />
42~Who ousted consternation of from the bodies of the gods, his fathers.<br />
43~(20) Šazu-Suh(rim, thirdly, who extirpated every foe with his weapons,<br />
44~Who confounded their plans and turned them into wind.<br />
45~He snuffed out all the wicked who came against him,<br />
46~Let the gods ever shout acclamations in the assembly.<br />
47~(21) Šazu-Suh(gurim, fourthly, who established success for the gods, his fathers,<br />
48~Who extirpated foes and destroyed their offspring,<br />
49~Who scattered their achievements, leaving no part of them,<br />
50~Let his name be spoken and proclaimed in the land.<br />
51~As (22) Šazu-Zah(rim, fifthly, let future gererations discuss him,<br />
52~The destroyer of every rebel, of all the disobedient,<br />
53~Who brought all the fugitive gods into the shrines,<br />
54~Let this name of his be established.<br />
55~As (23) Šazu-Zah(gurim, sixthly, let them altogether and everywhere worship him,<br />
56~Who himself destroyed all the foes in battle.<br />
57~(24) Enbilulu is he, the lord who supplies them abundantly,<br />
58~Their great chosen one, who provides cereal offerings,<br />
59~Who keeps pasturage and watering in good condition and established it for the land,<br />
60~Who opened watercourses and distributed plentiful water.<br />
61~(25) Enbilulu-Epadun, lord of common land and . . ., let them [call him] secondly,<br />
62~Canal supervisor of heaven and netherworld, who sets the furrow,<br />
Who establishes clean arable land in the open country,<br />
63~Who directs irrigation ditch and canal, and marks out the furrow.<br />
64~As (26) Enbilulu-Gugal, canal supervisor of the water courses of the gods, let them praise him thirdly,<br />
65~Lord of abundance, profusion, and huge stores (of grain),<br />
66~Who provides bounty, who enriches human habitations,<br />
67~Who gives wheat, and brings grain into being.<br />
68~(27) Enbilulu-H(egal, who accumulates abundance for the peoples . . . .<br />
69~Who rains down riches on the broad earth, and supplies abundant vegetation.<br />
70~(28) Sirsir, who heaped up a mountain on top of Tia-mat,<br />
71~Who plundered the corpse of Tia-mat with [his] weapons,<br />
72~The guardian of the land, their trustworthy shepherd,<br />
73~Whose hair is a growing crop, whose turban is a furrow,<br />
74~Who kept crossing the broad Sea in his fury,<br />
75~And kept crossing over the place of her battle as though it were a bridge.<br />
76~(29) Sirsir-Malah( they named him secondly—so be it—<br />
77~Tia-mat was his boat, he was her sailor.<br />
78~(30) Gil, who ever heaps up piles of barley, massive mounds,<br />
79~The creator of grain and flocks, who gives seed for the land.<br />
80~(31) Gilima, who made the bond of the gods firm, who created stability,<br />
81~A snare that overwhelmed them, who yet extended favours.<br />
82~(32) Agilima, the lofty, who snatches off the crown, who takes charge of snow,<br />
83~Who created the earth on the water and made firm the height of heaven.<br />
84~(33) Zulum, who assigns meadows for the gods and divides up what he has created,<br />
85~Who gives incomes and food-offerings, who administers shrines.<br />
86~(34) Mummu, creator of heaven end underworld, who protects refugees,<br />
87~The god who purifies heaven and underworld, secondly Zulummu,<br />
88~In respect of whose strength none other among the gods can equal him.<br />
89~(35) Gišnumunab, creator of all the peoples, who made the world regions,<br />
90~Who destroyed Tia-mat's gods, and made peoples from part of them.<br />
91~(36) Lugalabdubur, the king who scattered the works of Tia-mat, who uprooted her weapons,<br />
92~Whose foundation is secure on the "Fore and Aft".<br />
93~(37) Pagalguenna, foremost of all lords, whose strength is exalted,<br />
94~Who is the greatest among the gods, his brothers, the most noble of them all.<br />
95~(38) Lugaldurmah(, king of the bond of the gods, lord of Durmah(u,<br />
96~Who is the greatest in the royal abode, infinitely more lofty than the other gods.<br />
97~(39) Aranunna, counsellor of Ea, creator of the gods, his fathers,<br />
98~Whom no god can equal in respect of his lordly walk.<br />
99~(40) Dumuduku, who renews for himself his pure abode in Duku,<br />
100~Dumuduku, without whom Lugalduku does not make a decision.<br />
101~(41) Lugalšuanna, the king whose strength is exalted among the gods,<br />
102~The lord, the strength of Anu, he who is supreme, chosen of Anšar.<br />
103~(42) Irugga, who plundered them all in the Sea,<br />
104~Who grasps all wisdom, is comprehensive in understanding.<br />
105~(43) Irqingu, who plundered Qingu in . . . battle,<br />
106~Who directs all decrees and establishes lordship.<br />
107~(44) Kinma, the director of all the gods, who gives counsel,<br />
108~At whose name the gods bend down in reverence as before a hurricane.<br />
109~(45) Dingir-Esiskur—let him take his lofty seat in the House of Benediction,<br />
110~Let the gods bring their presents before him<br />
111~Until he receives their offerings.<br />
112~No one but he accomplishes clever things<br />
113~The four (regions) of black-heads are his creation,<br />
114~Apart from him no god knows the measure of their days.<br />
115~(46) Girru, who makes weapons hard (?),<br />
116~Who accomplished clever things in the battle with Tia-mat,<br />
117~Comprehensive in wisdom, skilled in understanding,<br />
118~A deep mind, that all the gods combined do not understand.<br />
119~Let (47) Addu be his name, let him cover the whole span of heaven,<br />
120~Let him thunder with his pleasant voice upon the earth,<br />
121~May the rumble fill (?) the clouds<br />
And give sustenance to the peoples below.<br />
122~(48) Aša-ru, who, as his name says, mustered the Divine Fates<br />
123~He indeed is the warden of absolutely all peoples.<br />
124~As (49) Ne-beru let him hold the crossing place of heaven and underworld,<br />
125~They should not cross above or below, but should wait for him.<br />
126~Ne-beru is his star, which he caused to shine in the sky,<br />
127~Let him take his stand on the heavenly staircase that they may look at him.<br />
128~Yes, he who constantly crosses the Sea without resting,<br />
129~Let his name be Ne-beru, who grasps her middle,<br />
130~Let him fix the paths of the stars of heaven,<br />
131~Let him shepherd all the gods like sheep,<br />
132~Let him bind Tia-mat and put her life in mortal danger,<br />
133~To generations yet unborn, to distant future days,<br />
134~May he continue unchecked, may he persist into eternity.<br />
135~Since he created the heavens and fashioned the earth,<br />
136~Enlil, the father, called him by his own name, (50) 'Lord of the Lands'.<br />
137~Ea heard the names which all the Igigi called<br />
]38~And his spirit became radiant.<br />
139~"Why! He whose name was extolled by his fathers<br />
140~Let him, like me, be called (51) 'Ea'.<br />
141~Let him control the sum of all my rites,<br />
142~Let him administer all my decrees."<br />
143~With the word "Fifty" the great gods<br />
144~Called his fifty names and assigned him an outstanding position.<br />
145~They should be remembered; a leading figure should expound them,<br />
146~The wise and learned should confer about them,<br />
147~A father should repeat them and teach them to his son,<br />
148~One should explain them to shepherd and herdsman.<br />
149~If one is not negligent to Marduk, the Enlil of the gods,<br />
150~May one's land flourish, and oneself prosper,<br />
151~(For) his word is reliable, his command unchanged,<br />
152~No god can alter the utterance of his mouth.<br />
153~When he looks in fury, he does not relent,<br />
154~When his anger is ablaze, no god can face him.<br />
155~His mind is deep, his spirit is all-embracing,<br />
156~Before whom sin and transgression are sought out.<br />
157~Instruction which a leading figure repeated before him (Marduk):<br />
158~He wrote it down and stored it so that generations to come might hear it.<br />
159~[ . . ] . Marduk, who created the Igigi gods,<br />
160~Though they diminish . . . let them call on his name.<br />
161~. . . . the song of Marduk,<br />
162~Who defeated Tia-mat and took kingship.</p>This translation of Enuma Elish is courtesy of by W.G. Lambert. It is taken from pp. 37-59 of his “Mesopotamian Creation Stories.” The full article is at pp. 15-59 in M.J. Geller and M. Schipper (eds), Imagining Creation (IJS Studies in Judaica 5; Brill Academic Publishers 2007).<a href="http://www.brill.nl/product_id24591.htm">http://www.brill.nl/product_id24591.htm</a>Diverse, among them: L. W. King, Enuma Elish: The Seven Tablets of Creation, London (2. Vol, 1902); Anton Deimel, Enuma eliš (2nd ed., 1936); W. C. Lambert, S. B. Parker, Enuma Eliš. The Babylonian Epic of Creation (1966); Philippe Talon, The Standard Babylonian Creation Myth-Enuma Elish (2005).14-12 c. bce (conjectured)clay tabletNineveh, Assur, Kish, Sultantepe, and other find places<a href="/taxonomy/term/54">Cosmology</a><a href="/node/567">The Worm and the Toothache</a><p>After Anum had made the heavens,<br />
the heavens had made the earth,<br />
the earth had made the rivers,<br />
the rivers had made the irrigation ditches,<br />
the ditches had made the mud,<br />
and the mud had made the maggot,<br />
the maggot went in tears before Shamash,<br />
before Ea his tears were flowing:<br />
"What have you given me to eat?<br />
What have you given me to suck?"<br />
"I have given you the ripe fig and the apricot."<br />
"What are these to me, the ripe fig and the apricot?<br />
Lift me up and let me dwell between the teeth and the jaws!<br />
Let me suck the very blood of the tooth,<br />
and let me gnaw on the very bone of the jaw!"<br />
Drive in a peg and seize the foot!<br />
"Because you said this, O maggot,<br />
let Ea smite you with his mighty fist!"</p>
<p>Incantation formula for toothache.<br />
Its ritual: you mix together small beer, a lump of malt and oil. You recite the incantation three times over it. You put it on his tooth.</p>
<p>Copy of a single-columned tablet according to the text of an old fired tablet belonging to Marduk-nadin-ahi. Nabû-nadin-ipri, son of Kudurranu, wrote it.</p>CT 17 50First millennium BCAkkadianclay tabletBabylon<a href="/taxonomy/term/54">Cosmology</a>